Survey reveals lack of consumer salt knowledge

More than three quarters of people (77%) are not aware that bread and breakfast cereals are among the daily foods that contribute most salt to our diet, a new Food Standards Agency (FSA) survey reveals.

The survey's publication marks the launch of the latest stage of the Agency's work to reduce people's salt intake.

Rosemary Hignett, head of nutrition at the FSA, said: "Salt intakes are coming down, but if we are to get closer to meeting our target of reducing intakes to a maximum of 6g a day for adults, and lower levels for children, people need to become more aware of the foods which contribute the most, as it isn't just the obvious things we need to watch out for as far as salt is concerned.

"We're not suggesting people stop eating these foods. In fact, we encourage people to eat bread and breakfast cereals, as they are an important part of a healthy diet. But we are saying take a look at the labels to find those that are lower in salt. This could be a supermarket own-label product, and maybe one from the "value" range.

"We've been working closely with food manufacturers and retailers to encourage them to use less salt in their foods, and are pleased with the progress that is being made. But there is still a wide variation of salt levels in different brands, which is why it is so important that people check the labels."

Words: Clare Riley

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